Wednesday, September 21, 2011

I think everyone would agree that Marvelous Mud, particularly Overthrown Clay Without Limits was an exciting exhibition for Denver. Not only was this a site specific show, but it embraced ceramics in a very non-traditional way allowing many different techniques and pushing the limit of what clay can do. All of the artists together created a very impressive and striking show. Over the last three months, over 125,000 people came and visited the gallery.

The Denver Art Museum concluded the exhibit with a symposium Friday, September the 16th with a keynote speaker from the New Yorker; critic Peter Schjeldahl.

Here is an overview of Peters main points:

”Recent trends (regarding ceramics) abandon intimate form. Something has been lost and something irreplaceable has been done.”

Peter believes that intimacy has fallen away. Something can stay intimate and functional so long until you have to put a box over it.”

“Pots don’t have existence until they are picked up.”

“Every good work of art is an act of criticism.”

“Before the 19th century, art was not meant for a museum, it was meant for private.”

“Democracy works very badly for modern art. Someone will always be upset.”

Peter gave interesting thoughts on contemporary ceramics, but did not reference any of the pieces individually. Overall he seemed disturbed that the personal intimacy of traditional pottery is disappearing. Perhaps the grandness of Overthrown was not what everyone wants to see with contemporary ceramics.